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He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose
There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.
Last Cavalry Charge in US history led by Lt Edwin Ramsey of G Troop of the 26th Cavalry (Philippine Scouts) on Jan 16, 1942 at Morong on Bataan Peninsula. They held the position for five hours until reinforcements arrived. They used the Model 1911 pistol during the charge (sabers were withdrawn in 1935) and after dismount, the M1 rifle
Lt Ramsey was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for this action
Last Cavalry Charge in US history led by Lt Edwin Ramsey of G Troop of the 26th Cavalry (Philippine Scouts) on Jan 16, 1942 at Morong on Bataan Peninsula. They held the position for five hours until reinforcements arrived. They used the Model 1911 pistol during the charge (sabers were withdrawn in 1935) and after dismount, the M1 rifle
Lt Ramsey was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for this action
ACCOUNT OF CHARGE
Upon reaching the Batalan River that formed part of Morong’s eastern border, Ramsey’s unit swung west and cautiously approached the seemingly deserted village, composed of grass huts suspended on stilts, with the livestock living beneath the structures. The only stone building was the Catholic Church, located in the middle of the village. At the village outskirts, Ramsey reorganized his force into squads and ordered a four-man point unit to lead them in.
As the point unit approached the village center, it came under fire from a Japanese advance guard that had just crossed the bridge spanning the river. Ramsey saw in the distance lead elements of the main force beginning to ford the river. If the Japanese troops managed to reach the village in force, Ramsey knew that his outnumbered troops would be overwhelmed. Ramsey then decided to do something the U.S. Army hadn’t attempted in more than 50 years – launch a horse cavalry charge against an enemy in war.
Ramsey quickly signaled his men to deploy into forager formation. Then he raised his pistol and shouted, “Charge!” With troops firing their pistols, the galloping cavalry horses smashed into the surprised enemy soldiers, routing them.
At a cost of only three men wounded, Ramsey and his men then held off the Japanese until reinforcements arrived. Ramsey received the Silver Star for his action at Morong. He later fought in the Philippines as a guerrilla, and received numerous decorations. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. The historic last horse cavalry charge by the U.S. Army was later recreated in the painting “The Last Charge” by John Solie.
Sadly the horses in Ramsey’s unit did not long survive. In early March 1942, with troop rations running low and animal fodder almost gone, Wainwright ordered all horses and mules slaughtered for food. Among the horses was Wainwright’s prize jumper, Joseph Conrad. After issuing the order, adding that Joseph Conrad be the first killed, Wainwright turned away and strode back to his command trailer, his eyes filling with tears.
Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Price Ramsey (May 9, 1917 – March 7, 2013) was a United States Army officer and guerrilla leader during the World War II Japanese occupation of the Philippines. During the early part of the war, he led the last cavalry charge in American military history
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose
There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.
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Originally Posted by RCS
